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Press/About Steven Calapai...

Steven Calapai was born and raised on Long Island, New York. Steven started his career as an actor/print model at an early age and has worked as an executive with top billion-dollar grossing-TV & Film Companies, agents, and managers. In his early years Steven was represented by the same organizations that represented Menudo and Rickie Martin.

 

At the age of 10, following a very horrible divorce, Steven saw his family torn apart. Devastated, Steven turned to art, film and music. He spent hours alone in closets, drawing and escaping this new pain that would last for years. Music, art and film were saving graces in his life. Calapai taught himself how to play the drums and, having no money, he would scour the weekly garbage’s at night on his bicycle to try and find someone throwing out a drum set. After many tries, he succeeded. “I found an old Ludwig set in the trash. It was champagne pearl. Not an extremely popular color with teenagers. I remember finding sandpaper and black and white house paint in our garage. I worked so hard sanding all the pearl paint off and painted the set black and white stripes. The set was a huge hit with the other kids, a lot better than my drumming those days.  I also painted the bicycle”.  Here is where his passion for the arts was born. “I remember getting yelled at by my mother for drawing on the mail, as there was nothing else left to draw on”.

 

In his teenage years, Calapai turned to modeling and acting, as well as playing in garage bands. As there was no internet or social media and money was scarce, Steven learned how to promote himself using the tools that were available to him, his vision, surroundings, and his hands. Sketching out promotional ads and flyers, using markers, pen, pencil and even crayon to create flyers for the bands and his newfound passion for acting. "We couldn't afford head-shots back then. I remember having a friend take black and white pictures and heading to photo mat to get them developed. I did everything I could to make them look professional and after many tries it worked. From transfer letters and stencils to adding colors, nothing was going to stop me".

 

Throughout his later teenage years Calapai’s intrigue into the arts was growing even stronger. Nights at Studio 54 having incredible conversations with the likes of Andy Warhol and David Bowie, the art galleries of NY City, journeying through different types of neighborhoods and cultures, storing everything he saw in his mind, constantly educating himself through art. Having played numerous times  and being a regular at CBGB in NY City's Hell's Kitchen, Steven was able to experience not only the sounds and conversations with Hilly Crystal (Owner,) David Byrne from The Talking Head's, Blondie and Iggy Pop, to name just a few, but the beginning of what now is called "Pop Art”.

 

While having a successful career in acting/print modeling, Steven tried his hand at a career in The Music Industry, where he was a great success. Working as a producer, session drummer, Grammy Member and studio owner, Steven has had the privilege to manage 2 Time #1 recording artist Freddie Scott. Mr. Scott's hits included: "You Got What I Need"-Sampled By rapper Biz Markie, #1 hit song "Hey Girl", #1 R&B hit, "Are You Lonely For Me Baby," and another 10 top thirty hits. While working with Scott, Steven set up and designed numerous public appearances, red carpet events and concerts.  Steven is proud to have worked with and appeared with Bette Midler, Billy Joel, Van Morrison, Cuba Gooding Sr., Solomon Burke, Johnny Winter, Bruce Springsteen, Gary Us Bonds, Atlantic Records, Elijah Records and many more...  The conversations and stories he had with these incredible artists can be seen and felt throughout Steven's work in film, television and art.

 

As his popularity grew in the industry Steven turned his talents to managing actors. Having managed Cable Ace Award nominee, Billy McNamara, Steven was introduced to the world of film and Television. It was here that his passions in the arts grew even stronger. Mr McNamara's credits include: "Doing Time on Maple Drive", which was the highest rated TV program in Lifetime TV's history, "Brylecream Boys", Showtime's, "Beggars and Choosers", "Copy Cat" and many more.

 

Steven has handled press and public relations for many well-known celebrities and has worked for top organizations and celebrities including: The Michael Awards, starring Regis Philbin, Playboys 50th Anniversary hosted by Pamela Anderson, Reality Cares with an award going to Mark Burnett, Omarossa, Tommy Davidson from In Living Color, to name just a few. Steven created the TV concept "Reality Rewind" starring Gideon Horowitz from NBC'’S-The Restaurant With Rocco Dispierito. Calapai has interviewed the likes of Mark Burnett and Donald Trump. Former partner of Mark Lipsky, who managed Arsenio Hall, Chris Rock and Eddie Murphy.  Steven worked with the son of famed Beatles Producer George Martin while at EMPI also, Greg Martin.

Steven Calapai has produced 12 Television and film projects.

Having suffered from a devastating loss of a stepchild in his 30’s and seeing how so many children in this world are in need, Steven has been a major contributor to numerous charities. Steven Calapai donates his time to numerous charities including LLS, The American Cancer Society and Mandate for Humanity. Giving is close to his heart and will remain as such.

“My imagery and journey of 25 years of entertainment, spirituality, adversity, triumph, tragedy and pop culture is infused into every project I take on.”

 

Calapai is currently a successful film producer, writer and film director with Steven Calapai Media and Idolmaker Films. Partners on Television and Feature Film projects with former Chicago Bears super bowl champion Willie Gault.

Calapai continues to work in Film and Television as producer and financier. See Calapai's resume of film and televison works.

Life Quote- "I'm glad I stayed in touch with the boy that dreamed impossible dreams"

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On Set co-producing the feature film-"Rearview" 2021-2022 Miami
Photo Nina Rodrigues @noxostudios

On Set BTS Producing/Directing the documentary
Operation Wasteland 9 7 22 NY City

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Film Producer Steven Calapai on Set

With Actor Chuck Zito

DECEMBER 2021-2022

On Set BTS Producing/Directing the documentary

Operation Wasteland 9 7 22 NY City

Film Producer Steven Calapai Live Charity Event 2019Pictured With Deney Terrio/Event Produced by Steven Calapai Media

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 Film Producer Steven Calapai Charity  Donation With Mark "The Animal" Mendoza of Twisted Sister and Johnny Rizzo at Motorcycle Mayhem

Photo Credit Kate Fox Show

Film Producer Steven Calapai on Set

With Actor Kamilo Alonzo

DECEMBER 2021-2022

Film Producer Steven Calapai on Set

With Actor's  Tony Schiena, Chuck Zito and Phil Tan

DECEMBER 2021-2022

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Film Producer Steven Calapai VIP Charity Event Arrivals With Jimmy Hart and Hulk Hogan 2018

Film Producer Steven Calapai With Friend and Former Heavyweight Champ Evander Holyfield 
Artist Steven Calapai With Tony Nominee
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Film Producer Steven Calapai With 2 Time Tony Nominee/American Idol Finalist Constantine Maroulis 2019

VIP Arrivals Norwood Club Fashion Show  NYC

Film Producer Steven Calapai 

Film Producer Steven Calapai With Miss NY

Teen Geanna Kolouris Art Gallery Opening 2021

Producer Steven Calapai, BTS Rearview

Feature Film 2022 Miami

Artist Steven Calapai With Jimmy Fallon_
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Film Producer Steven Calapai With Sergey Kovalev
WBA World Champion
Madison Square Garden Red Carpet Arrivals 2019

Film Producer Steven Calapai NBC Podium

With The Tonight Show Host

Jimmy Fallon Belmont Stakes 2018

Executive Steven Calapai and Guest
Supporting Stonybrook Hospital Charity Ball
Red Carpet Arrivals 2019

Film Producer Steven Calapai NY Yankee
Legend Jim Leyritz Red Carpet
Arrivals Blemont Stakes 2018

Artist Steven Calapai With NY Ranger Gre
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Film Producer Steven Calapai With Former
NY Ranger Hockey Great Ron Duguay
Charity Event 2018

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Film Producer Steven Calapai With Miss NY

Charity Event 2018

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Steven Calapai With  American Idol Finalist/2 Time Tony Award Nominee Constantine Maroulis
VIP Charity Event 2018 Produced by Steven Calapai Media

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Film Producer Steven Calapai With Artist Rob Base Supporting the SASI Autism Fundraiser
Charity Event 2019

 Film Producer Steven Calapai Supporting The Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society Man of the Year Gala 
VIP Charity Event 2018

 Steven Calapai Helping Support The NY Patrolmen's Benevolent Society Fundraiser
Charity Event 2019

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Film Producer Steven Calapai  VIP Backstage Arrivals
Beach Boys Tour 2019 Los Angeles

Photo Credit "Beach Boys"

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Film Producer Steven Calapai Supporting The Michael Magro Foundation Charity With Big Mike Sangiamo 103.1 Max FM DJ and
Legislator Joshua Lafazan
 

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Steven Calapai Supporting The Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society Man of the Year National Record Breaking Winner Asaf German (left) With Attorney Mitch Diamond
VIP Charity Event 2019

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Steven Calapai Supporting The Southampton Art Center Fundraiser 2019
Hamptons NY
Photo Credit Southampton Art Center

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 Film Producer Steven Calapai, Sal Valentinetti  Charity Event 2018 NY
Photo Credit Brown Studios

 

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 Steven Calapai Supporting The Southampton Art Center Fundraiser 2019 Radio/Harlen Freidman
Hamptons NY
Photo Credit Southampton Art Center

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Film Producer Steven Calapai
Art Gallery
Posing With SOLD Artwork NY 10. 2020
Photo Credit Alex M Wolf

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Steven Calapai Live at 94.3 FM The Shark
Radio NY With On Air Personality
"Big Mike" Sangiamo 2020

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Film Producer Steven Calapai W/Ryan Roxie-(Alice Cooper)
Backstage Arrivals-Alice Cooper World Tour NYC

Photo Credit Brown Studios

Film Producer Steven Calapai Dina Lohan
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Film Producer/Director Steven Calapai W/Dinah Lohan
Charity Event Supporting the Carol M Baldwin Foundation

Film Producer Steven Calapai  Event Produced by Steven Calapai Media W/Constantine Maroulis, NY Yankee Bernie Williams

Film Producer Steven Calapai LI Hall of Fame Backstage 2019 Pictured Steven Van Zandt
Photo Credit Barry Brown Studios

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BTS On Set Operation Wasteland NYC 9.8.22
Photo Credit Dan Frenkel

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Film Producer Steven Calapai VIP Red Carpet Arrivals Charity Event NY
Pictured Left-Fmr. NY Yankee's Cecil Fielder, James Leyritz With Constantine Maroulis
Photo Credit Barry Brown Studios Live Event Produced by Steven Calapai Media Group

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Film Producer Steven Calapai With The Beach Boys
NY 4. 2020
Photo Credit Beach Boy Media

Film Producer Steven Calapai With Jimmy Fallon Belmont Stakes NBC Podium 
NY 6. 2019
Photo Credit NYSRA

BTS Wrap Bajarriba Tequila Director Steven Calapai

With Dan Frenkel October 2022 Arizona

Artist Steven Calapai Art Gallery 2020 G

Producer Steven Calapai With His Creation "Shapes",
Steven Calapai Art Gallery
NY 10. 2020

 

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Film Producer/Director/
Donor Steven Calapai Pictured With
Nassau Legislator Joshua Lafazan

Photo Credit Lafazan Staff

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Director Steven Calapai, BTS Operation Wasteland

September 2022 NY

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 Film Producer Steven Calapai With NY Yankee MGR. VP MLB Joseph Torree Belmont Stakes VIP Dinner Photo Credit Belmont Stakes Staff

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Film Producer Steven Calapai Charity Event Arrivals Pictured With Fmr. NY Yankee Legend Bernie Williams/Produced by Steven Calapai Media

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Film Producer Steven Calapai art gallery opening with "Soho Johnny"

Photo Credit Barry Brown Studios  7. 24. 21

Magazine Photo Shoot 2021

Film Producer Steven Calapai 7. 21

Film Producer Steven Calapai on Set in Miami 2021

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VIP Arrivals Film Producer Steven Calapai With "Mario Van Peebles" and "Kreesha Turner"

Supporting "Let Me Help" Charity

Photo Credit "Rumi"  9. 11. 21

 Sound Check Film Producer Steven Calapai With "Joey Belladonna" of Anthrax

Photo Credit "Calapai Medai Inc."  9. 11. 21

Film Producer/Director Steven Calapai  on set With

NFL Super Bowl Champion Willie Gault

November 2022 Los Angeles

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BTS Directing Bungee Infomercial Series

November 2022 Los Angeles

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Supporting the 911 Charity Event NYC 9. 11. 21 Film Producer Steven Calapai With Actor Leon Robinson Red Carpet Interviews

Photo Credit Steve Sage Productions

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Film Producer Steven Calapai Supporting the POWER AWARDS 10. 14. 21 Featuring Honoree Susan Lucci and Erin Colton Anchor News 12 Long Island Mansion at Oyster Bay

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Film Producer Steven Calapai Oheka Castle 10-20. 21  Donating/Supporting to the World of Pink Gala
 

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Film Producer Steven Calapai Artist/Model Jamie Russell  Gallery Opening  NY 2-2021

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Film Producer Steven Calapai With Sonja T Morgan

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Film Producer Steven Calapai TV Interview

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Film Producer Steven Calapai on set 2021-2022 Miami Pictured Left to right Lead Tony Schienna. Steven Calapai, Chuck Zito and Phil Tan

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Film Producer Steven Calapai behind the scenes on set 2021-2022 Miami Pictured Kamilo Alonzo

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Steven Calapai Artist...IN THE NEWS...Modern Luxury Magazine/Vegas Features the Art of Steven Calapai

CRITIC'S REVIEW OF THE WORK OF STEVEN CALAPAI

To look at your work, I am truly surprised that you are self-taught. What beautiful pieces. I particularly love that you picked one of my favorite mythemes, the tree to symbolically amplify. It represents many things in many cultures and has prevailed for millennia as a symbol connecting man to his roots, to the heavens and to epistemic branches of thought, in most religious texts. Your trees are alive, breathing, spiritual semiotic messaging. In fact, it's almost as if this whole series channels the deepest messaging about our need to live a life that can integrate ourselves with ourselves, with other cultural "trees" and with the heavens to which our branches wish to self-extend. Congratulations, my friend.  You might have come to this world (and returned from the underworld) just to create this lovely, soul-stirring interpretation of the sources of focus that should be important to humans. I can feel the joy you felt when you completed it. More importantly, it makes me feel more connected to the Natural World of myself. It will do this for most viewers. And you are right, yours is a moving story, not just for other artists. It fascinates and inspires on many levels.

I am a mythologist and depth psychologist, in addition to being a professor, writer, editor/muse/structural consultant for screen and fiction writers.  (@write_into_culture). The first thing I teach creators of any cultural product is to understand the language and narrative expressed by their own soul/heart epistemes and the way that narrative can - and should - resonate in the rendering of other cultural "narratives," "voices" and themes, whether written, oral or visual. Your work seems to be channeled through a whole other energic source than the one you allowed to animate the rest of your life. This is not only powerful to witness, it explains why your work speaks to people/patrons from all over the world.  Very nice to know you. And your work. "Leonora Francesca Flores" 

The Artwork of Steven Calapai is Featured in Livein-Style NYC Magazine January Edition

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Modern Luxury Vegas Magazine Steven Cala

Artist Steven Calapai Featured in Vegas Magazine The Arts Issue

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